Have you always dreamed of riding a motorcycle? It’s an experience like no other—the wind in your hair, the freedom of the open road. If you’re ready to make your dreams a reality, here are five steps for getting your motorcycle license and becoming a responsible rider.

Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

Before you hit the open road, take a safety course from an approved provider. Most states require that drivers attend at least one motorcycle safety course before they can receive their license, so this is an important first step. During a motorcycle class, you will learn how to ride safely, maintain your bike, and understand the laws and regulations associated with operating a motorcycle in your state.

Get Your Learner’s Permit

Once you’ve completed your safety course, apply for your learner’s permit at your local DMV office or online. Depending on where you live, you may be required to pass a written test or present proof that you’ve completed a safety course before getting approved for the permit. Once granted, this permit will allow you to practice driving with another licensed motorcyclist who has been riding for at least three years without supervision from law enforcement officials.

Get Familiar With Your Bike

Before taking it out for a spin on public roads, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the controls and features of your motorcycle by practicing in an empty parking lot or field. Start out slow and gradually increase speed as you get comfortable with how it feels when turning corners and braking quickly or suddenly.

Pass Your Road Test

After logging enough practice hours behind the wheel (usually no less than 24), schedule an appointment with your local DMV office or authorized testing center to take your road test. The examiner will observe as you drive through various scenarios such as turns and intersections while ensuring that all applicable laws are being followed properly and safely. Once passed, these results will be sent directly to the DMV for processing into an official driver’s license with full privileges afforded by law.

Celebrate Responsibly

Now that you have officially earned the privilege of riding solo wherever life takes you—celebrate responsibly! Make sure to follow all applicable laws governing motorcycles such as noise restrictions, helmet requirements (if applicable), and speed limits, so that everyone can safely share in this spirit of freedom together.

Riding a motorcycle is an experience unlike any other, and now that you know what it takes to make those dreams come true legally and safely, you’re well on your way. Taking just five simple steps is all it takes to get started on this exciting journey towards owning one of these powerful machines—so why wait? The open road awaits.